In order to get married in New Jersey, couples must apply for and obtain a marriage license. Marriage licenses are handled by the Registrar of Vital Statistics. This page outlines everything you’ll need to know about applying for a marriage license. The license fee is $28.

Be sure to contact the Leonia Borough Registrar well in advance of the wedding to find out on what days and during what hours the Registrar will be in the office. Some locales will require an appointment.

*Social security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential.

Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Marriage Residency Requirement New Jersey:

You do not have to be a resident of New Jersey.

Marriage Waiting Period Requirement New Jersey:

New Jersey has a three (3) day waiting period. For weekend weddings, you will need to apply the Tuesday before to satisfy the three days (72 hours) by Friday.

The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar.

There is no 72 hour waiting period for a remarriage; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage.

The marriage license application is valid for six months from the date accepted, unless the Registrar has given prior approval to extend the validity of the application to a maximum of one year.

Only one marriage license may be granted from a marriage application. If the license expires before being used, a new application must be made and another $28 fee remitted.

The only exception to this requirement is in the case where a civil and religious ceremony are to be performed on the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will photocopy the marriage application, marking one “A” and one “B”, and issue the corresponding marriage licenses, marking them “A” and “B” as well. One copy will be used for the religious ceremony and the other for the civil ceremony.

You will need to show documentation to prove a previous marriage has been dissolved either through death or divorce. Acceptable documents include a certified copy of the final decree of divorce or a certified copy of the death certificate for your former spouse.

Remarriage New Jersey:

For individuals who are currently in a marriage in New Jersey or are in a marriage in another state or country there exists the option to reaffirm your relationship/vows by registering a Remarriage:

In order to apply for a Remarriage the couple must provide proof of their existing marriage, meet the requirements for entering into a marriage in New Jersey and follow the guidelines above to completing the license application.

The process for a Remarriage License are the same as for the Marriage License, except that the Remarriage License must be accompanied by the proof of existing marriage and once the application is filed there is no 72 hour waiting period before the license is issued.

Marriage License Fee New Jersey:

The fee for a marriage license in Leonia, NJ is $28.

Marriage Blood Test Requirement New Jersey:

Premarital blood tests are no longer required in New Jersey.

Name Change:

Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.

In 2018, the New Jersey child marriage ban bill was signed into law and went into effect immediately to implement a clear minimum age of 18 with no exceptions.

Marriage Proof of Age and Identity New Jersey:

Birth certificates are required for proof of age. If you do not have your birth certificate, TWO (2) other forms of ID with your date of birth on them are required. Other acceptable forms providing proof of age are:

Driver’s License

Passport

Baptism Paper

DD2-1Y Military Release Paper

Non-Driver’s License Photo ID

Some towns will require proof of residency such as a driver’s license, lease or tax return.

Proxy Marriages New Jersey:

No.

Cousin Marriages New Jersey:

Yes. First and second cousins may legally marry in New Jersey.

Common Law Marriages New Jersey:

No.

Marriage Witnesses New Jersey:

You will need a witness who is over 18 years of age with you when you apply for the marriage license.

Judges of a Federal District Court, United States magistrates, Judges of a Municipal Court, Judges of the Superior Court, Judges of a Tax Court, Retired judges of the Superior Court, Judge or the Superior or Tax Court who has resigned in good standing, any Mayor/Deputy Mayor or Chairman of any Township Committee, Village President of New Jersey, County Clerks, and every minister of every religion. At the time you apply for your marriage license you will have to provide the name of who is going to marry you, where, and when, and an address and phone number for the officiant.

Expiration Date of Marriage License New Jersey:

The New Jersey Marriage license is valid for thirty (30) days from date of issuance.

The Marriage License application is valid for six months from the date accepted, unless the Registrar has granted prior approval to extend the validity of the application to a maximum of one year.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Additional information can be found on the New Jersey Department of Health website.

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State Laws marriage requirements to obtain and file a marriage license to receive certified copy of your marriage certificate from clerk’s office upon request.